Yes they do... but they're still better for newer writers than the crap rates they'll get from places like bidding sites and forums (even if not in up-front pay, they'll get better gigs out of the networking they can do through them). Don't get me wrong... I'm not supporting the company in mentioning them (I despise the way they run that place). Just saying it might be a "step up" for lots of people here... if they're willing to put up with the BS.
Some of the articles there are decent reads. Overall, it's a headache to sift through. Plus, it's better to write and build a rep that to sit around a webmaster forum begging to write for three cans of Tuna Fish daily. Oh wait a minute. Each regular-sized can is about $2.50, so that's $7.50 per day. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Is guru still charging those high rates? I was really wary about having to pay so much without being able to at least try and evaluate the site. It's been a year since I've been there. I just checked and the site definitely looks different.
Last time I checked, they still were charging. I always felt that you should never pay someone to find you work and that include bidding sites such as Guru. ----- Thanks for all of the great information everyone. I have taken a personal turn in writing and have vowed that I will only write for a certain amount and above. If the client can't pay my rate or doesn't want to then they can simply move on to another writer who will charge much less. You get what you pay for and that goes for writing as well.
I've been on Guru for about two months and barely found 20 jobs worth bidding on. It seems that $2 article has taken over there too. Mainly it's the same 5 people or so posting their jobs over and over and over. What a waste of money.
I was actually thinking of reconsidering my earlier "no bidding sites" policy. Thanks for changing my mind. Who needs to pay to sift through $2 jobs? You can do that on DP, and all for free!